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AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES CONFEDERATION

Working in support of modern,

sustainable, commercial agriculture

ANNUAL REPORT

2018/19

AIC | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 19 | 2

IN THIS, MY FIRST ANNUAL REPORT AS CHAIRMAN,

we look back on a year of uncertainty as the

false dawn of Brexit hung over the nation. While

government and parliament dithered, I believe

AIC Members should recognise the strong support

the team at Peterborough delivered in sharing

and interpreting information as it became

available and wherever possible engaging with

the relevant officials.

Through our own efforts and those we shared

with other members of the Agri-Brexit Coalition,

I believe the agrisupply industry has gained

considerable recognition in both national and

devolved governments. In addition, the increasing

profile of AIC led to a number of Members being

invited to participate in government committees

and working groups looking to Brexit and beyond.

We intend to build on the higher level of

cooperation between nine agrisupply trade

associations beyond Brexit to keep relevant

common issues on the political agenda.

However, Brexit has not been the only challenge

of the year. Two key pieces of legislation have

been taking shape – the Agriculture Bill and the

Environment Bill. While progress has been slow,

AIC has been involved in planning on issues

that will shape the industry for a generation.

Sustainability, productivity and the new approach of

‘public money for public goods’ are all being drafted

with AIC input.

As I write these words, the threat of ‘no deal’ Brexit

remains. Whatever the outcome, I have no doubt that

AIC will fight the corner of every sector and every

Member – large or small. Your Confederation remains

committed to a modern, sustainable and commercial

agriculture.

AIC’s staff are the essential ingredient of all we do.

I take this opportunity to thank them all, particularly

our Chief Executive Robert Sheasby who took on

the role in May 2018 and is raising the profile of AIC

further across a wider network of contacts. I also

thank his predecessor David Caffall for all he did to

establish AIC. The Board and I wish David a long and

happy retirement.

The year has seen a considerable change in Board

membership (see page 15). I thank them all, past and

present for their tireless support and encouragement.

CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME

Andrew McShaneChairmanAIC

Sustainability, productivity and the new approach of ‘public money for public goods’ are all being drafted with AIC input.


WHILE HARDLY A DAY in the past year has gone

by without some issue related to Brexit, AIC has

engaged in a wide range of other activities.

While the UK remains an EU member, we have

continued to engage with the Commission on a wide

range of issues from fertiliser regulation to feed

ingredients, from defending plant protection product

authorisations to seed treatment legislation.

A particular feature of the past year has been an

increased focus on engaging with Members, often

by visiting them in their businesses. Our aim is

twofold: to ensure Members get the most value

for their teams and organisations from their

membership; also to gain feedback on what we

are getting right and where there is scope to

improve our service. If you would like us to visit

you, please get in touch.

In the year ahead, we will also be revitalising

our regional meetings where we come out to brief

Members on what AIC is doing, to provide an

opportunity for Members to meet a number of

our team and also to network with each other.

Watch out for invitations.

However, we are also striving to raise awareness

with politicians across the UK and devolved

governments. I really appreciate the support

that we have received from Members helping us

to connect with relevant MPs, MSPs, and AMs.

Our ability to ensure politicians understand

the agrisupply industry and its role in delivering

advice and new technologies is critical. As the UK

prepares to introduce a new Agriculture Bill focused

on productivity and environmental management, we

can play a vital role in serving UK agriculture.

AIC Services continues to play a vital role in

delivering safe, traceable feed and food as well as

ensuring fertiliser security. Many of our schemes

have now gained ‘earned recognition’, which reduces

official inspections and reduces costs for participants.

The breadth of AIC’s activities across its five sectors

is exceptional, at any one time we will be addressing

nearly 100 issues. It is by Members working hand in

hand with AIC staff that we gain the practical insight

to the challenges Members’ businesses face.

Member involvement in various committees keeps

us focussed on key issues that need to be tackled.

Without that Member engagement we would be

nowhere near as strong to act on your behalf.

I thank you all most sincerely.

I am coming to believe that the new certainty is

a complete lack of certainty. We all must adapt our

thinking to shorter time horizons featuring more

change.

One thing is certain, the importance of ensuring

politicians and policy makers understand our needs

has never been greater.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S INTRODUCTION

Robert SheasbyChief ExecutiveAIC

Our ability to ensure politicians understand the agrisupply industry and its role in delivering advice and new technologies is critical.

ANIMAL FEED

Angela Booth ChairmanFeed Sector

THE FEED SECTOR HAS ENGAGED WITH MANY

ISSUES BUT HAS HAD TO FOCUS, like other

sectors, with the task of providing clarity to

Members over potential Brexit outcomes and

implications for their businesses.

AIC has provided detailed information to Members

on import and export regulations, WTO tariffs, the

requirement to appoint representatives, organic

certification of exported organic feeds and Food

Standards Agency risk management and risk

assessment plans. As the year wore on, much of the

information supplied related to implications for the

feed industry of a no-deal Brexit. Close contact with

UK Government agencies was vital to give Members

guidance on the issues they needed to consider.

The sustainability agenda has, as expected, moved

up a gear with the first full year of activity of the UK

Roundtable on Sustainable Soya. AIC has been closely

involved with this initiative from the start and now has

a seat on the Steering Group to ensure that the feed

industry’s views are represented at the highest level.

Several large UK retailers announced sustainable

soya policies during the year and, significantly,

the FEFAC soy sourcing guidelines have been

highlighted as a very useful tool to help supply chain

partners plan their sustainable soya journey. AIC

also published its own position on sustainable soya

in order to help Members explain the feed industry’s

position to supply chain partners.

During the year AIC Services also announced plans

to offer a voluntary palm oil credit purchase scheme

to members. AIC Services has had its membership of

RSPO confirmed and it is expected that the scheme

will be launched during 2019.

New regulations on medicated feeds and veterinary

medicines were finalised though these do not come

into force until January 2022.

The end of the year saw the completion of the first

UK 5-year action plan on anti-microbial resistance

with the headline figure of a 40% reduction in

antibiotic use achieved by UK livestock farming since

the strategy was published. This has been regarded

by all as a considerable achievement. AIC, through its

membership of RUMA, will continue to support future

objectives which include maintaining responsible use

and continuing to improve underlying health, farm

infrastructure, nutrition, genetics and preventative

measures. Discussions in Brussels on amending feed

additive legislation to enable new functional groups of

additives to be marketed, following assessment, have

made progress.

The feed sector is pleased to report that after

four years of data collection and collaboration

across the food and feed industries and European

authorities, the Food, Drink and Milk REF documents,

with a new section on animal feeds, are agreeable to

the industry. These include the legally binding Best

Available Techniques for environmental compliance

which members will be expected to comply with.

Thanks to the way in which the process was run,

with all parties working together, the new BAT are

stretching but achievable.AIC | ANNUAL REPORT 2018 – 19 | 4

Close contact with Government agencies has been vital to guide Members on issues they needed to consider.


UKFFPA

Paul FeatherstoneChairman UKFFPA

THE YEAR SAW AN

INCREASED FOCUS

on communications as

UKFFPA sought to raise the

profile of the work it does.

The aim was twofold. First to increase awareness of

the potential of processed former foodstuff to

the feed sector. Second, to raise awareness of the

valuable role of this sector in avoiding foodstuffs that

can be processed into valuable feed being discarded

as waste and sent to landfill or anaerobic digestion.

This is not only good for the livestock feed sector,

but also appeals to the increased emphasis for

sustainability sought by food manufacturers and

retailers.

To stress the value of the work carried out by

UKFFPA Members, an infographic was developed

and widely distributed. This spells out where UKFFPA

businesses sit within the ‘circular economy’. We do

not compete with food banks, but we do save the

equivalent of 755,000 tonnes of wheat. Thus freeing

up UK farmland for food production.

In addition, a number of interviews were held with

key publications in the food chain to get across this

valuable role.

THE FEED ADVISER REGISTER went from strength

to strength in the year. December saw the launch

of Module 4 with an increased focus on reducing

emissions from livestock through both feed

management and overall nutrient planning

across the farm.

As FAR has become established, so has its

recognition for setting professional standards for

the feed sector, just as other schemes have set

standards in agronomy. The year also saw an initiative

to brief a wider range of stakeholders on the role and

increasing importance of FAR to the industry.

A presentation on what the Register is, how it works

and what it has already achieved was developed.

This was shared in one-to-one discussions with

a range of stakeholders including Defra, British

Retail Consortium, Agriculture and Horticulture

Development Board, the farming unions, Food

Standards Scotland, Linking the Environment and

Farming (LEAF), National Pig Association, Quality

Meat Scotland and the Soil Association.

Planning also began on a move from training

by modules to developing an on-going Continuing

Professional Development approach to ensuring those

on the Register maintain and update their knowledge

and skill. This will be rolled out in the year ahead.

Inge VerwoerdTechnical Support Manager for Feed Sector/FAR

FEED ADVISER REGISTER

32,000tconfectionary, ice cream production, and milk products

5,850t fruit and vegetables

and vegetarian products

77,000tcereal grains

6,220toilseed/husks

113,600t other cereal, grain and pulse-based

products

21,200t sauces and savoury

snacks30,000t

by-products of spirits and beer

363,900tbakery, cake, pastry, pasta

and breakfast cereals

Every year UK Former Foodstuffs

Processors Association members

process 650,000 tonnes of food

products, compliant with feed

legislation, into animal feed

Former foods to animal feed – the facts

Former foodstuffs processing saves feed wheat, land and energy. It prevents waste and helps to make the food supply chain more sustainable.

UKFFPA observes industry standards

to ensure food is used for human

consumption wherever possible

Prevent waste of raw materials during manufacture

Redistribute to people

Process for animal feed

Recycle

Recover

Dispose

1

2

3

4

5

6

(Based on WRAP food and drink material hierarchy)

Realising the potential of former foodstuffs

8033

2.5x Isle of Wight

That much wheat needs

92,000haequivalent to just under two and

a half times the Isle of Wight

Which could bake

1.4b loaves

Equates to

755,000tof wheat

650,000t of former foodstuffs processed in the UK every year

We do not compete with food banks, but we do save the equivalent of 755,000 tonnes of wheat.

AS IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, 2018 was dominated

by Brexit. Industry is in a state of flux, with the rules

of engagement and market access uncertain.

The impact of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit is likely to change

market focus as we engage in a global market.

Subject to UK production, the market will still

function, but that will be subject to several factors.

Tariffs will be dependent on any trade agreements

that may be struck, the timing of which remains

unclear.

Increasing erucic acid levels in oilseed rape

remain a concern. UK research now indicates

volunteer oilseed rape plants from before the

current varieties’ low erucic levels are the source of

the problem. However, managing this is not straight-

forward so vigilance is needed. A reduction in the

maximum amount of erucic acid in oil from the

current 5% to 2%, has been agreed in principle in

Brussels, but is not yet in legislation. The reliability

of the quick test is an issue, as whilst above 5% is

accurate, measuring around 2-5% content is not.

Regulatory pressure around contaminants

increases on industry, with legal limits on

mycotoxins on the horizon. The fact that reliable

rapid tests for ergot alkaloids are not available is

just one point being highlighted to the Commission.

AIC continues to work with other industry bodies in

the supply chain to gather data and make the case for

reasonable limits and practical controls. A reduced

EU limit for ergot sclerotia in grain is expected,

but still at levels far in excess of those accepted in

the AIC No. 1 grain contract. Lobbying is amplified

through work with our partner trade body COCERAL.

The issue of contaminants, as well as many others,

mean that the rest of 2019 will be challenging for all

involved. Thus continued information flow and close

relationships are important.

In Spring 2018, the online interactive, ‘i-learning’

Developing Professional Standards in On-Farm Grain Trading was launched for AIC Members. By the end

of the year covered by this report, 77 farm traders

had successfully completed it and hold certificates

that demonstrate their proficiency. This initiative of

the Arable Marketing Committee is a significant step

forward in enabling the industry to demonstrate

to customers, and policy makers, the breadth of

competency and market knowledge which grain

traders offer.

Interest in data across many industries continues to

increase, and AIC is engaged with early conversations

about re-examining the ‘electronic grain passport’.

The Arable Marketing Committee continue to believe

this would deliver efficiencies in the supply chain.

With the Agriculture Bill currently in Parliamentary

limbo there is little to report. However, policy

direction is clearly to prioritise environmental

enhancement. This will have some kind of impact on

arable production and measurement of increased

productivity is also included in the current draft Bill.


Industry is in a state of flux, with the rules of engagement and market access uncertain.

CROP MARKETING

Mark WorrellChairman, Arable Marketing Committee


CROP PROTECTION AND AGRONOMY

Chris ClaytonChairmanCrop Protection and Agronomy Sector

2018 HAS BEEN AN EVENTFUL YEAR for the

CP&A sector – some of this happening under my

chairmanship which commenced in October 2018

after I took over the role from Andrew McShane.

Sector members include a range of highly skilled

and trained individuals from store keepers and

agronomists to administrators and delivery drivers, all

help to ensure that both supplier and client businesses

run smoothly. In February 2018, a survey of Plant

Protection Product (PPP) delivery drivers captured the

breadth of training undertaken by the ‘unsung heroes’,

who ensure that PPPs are delivered on time and safely

to farmers and growers. The results show that nearly

60% of drivers have 10 or more years’ experience

and an impressive list of qualifications including

Certificates of Professional Competence, fork lift

truck training and training in the carriage of

dangerous goods.

The Voluntary Initiative (VI) on Pesticides,

which developed Integrated Pest Management

(IPM) plans, is reviewing IPM recording so that

the extent of IPM uptake can be demonstrated.

A survey of sector Members in autumn 2018,

highlighted the extent of training undertaken

by member agronomists to maintain their

BASIS Professional Register membership and

IPM advice given on, including water protection, soil

management, PPP resistance management

and pollinator protection.

The process around PPP approval and renewal of

approval was scrutinised by a European Parliament

Special Committee for Pesticides (PEST) formed

in February 2018. The Committee of 30 MEPs

addressed concerns from some European citizens

about the independence and transparency of PPP

authorisation. AIC Sector Head, Hazel Doonan, met

two UK MEP Committee members, Anthea McIntyre

and Daniel Dalton to share AICs views on the process.

Whilst both MEPs recognised AIC’s points, the final

PEST report failed to reflect all of the opinions. Ms

McIntyre produced an alternative report suggesting

different recommendations, as she concluded that the

Committee had reached the wrong conclusions and

disregarded key evidence.

Shailesh Vara, MP for North West Cambridgeshire,

was briefed by Hazel in December on the vital role of

AIC agronomists in UK food production.

Throughout 2018, Brexit issues were stepped up in

anticipation of an EU Exit in March 2019. AIC continues

to share Members’ views with policy makers on how

PPP authorisation could be improved post Brexit. The

sector endorses maintaining standards that protect

human health and the environment, however AIC is

lobbying for more efficient processes and decisions

based on science, not emotion. We cannot have a

regulatory process, within or outside the EU, driven

by misinformation on social media.

Throughout the year we have gathered data on

the consequences of losing PPPs due for renewal of

approval in 2018, notably diquat, thiram, pymetrozine

and propiconazole. It is frustrating that renewal

of some active substances fails due to regulatory

timelines for data submission, which gives applicants

insufficient time to undertake necessary studies. It is

also a concern that the current process only considers

active substances in isolation rather than a holistic

view of the consequences of withdrawal. With the

rate of withdrawals increasing and the loss of some

mainstay products, agronomists face considerable

challenges. This is not about having less products

to sell, it’s about agronomists not having access to

sufficiently diverse chemical modes of action to prevent

resistance development and deliver quality standards

demanded by some end market protocols.

The sector will continue to promote the need for

sufficient access to all sustainable methods of weed,

pest and disease control, as well as continuing to

ensure agronomist members have the most up-to-

date knowledge to help their quest to minimise cost

per tonne of production for farmers.

. . . AIC is lobbying for more efficient processes and decisions based on science, not emotion. We cannot have a regulatory process, within or outside the EU, driven by misinformation on social media.

FERTILISER

Peter ScottChairman Fertiliser Sector

DESPITE THE PRESSURES OF ADDRESSING BREXIT,

the fertiliser sector made considerable progress

on a number of fronts.

While progress was made on the EU Fertiliser

Regulations, uncertainty remained on how the UK

would implement these rules, especially against the

on-going speculation on deal versus no deal Brexit.

Thanks to a ‘can do’ attitude across the industry

and research communities a consistent, national

guidance on crop nutrition has been created in the

latest RB209.

There was a general consensus that not

enough has been done to promote the positive

aspects of the role of fertiliser across the foodchain.

Therefore, some basic research has been undertaken

to understand the public opinion of our industry –

which is broadly positive and this will be developed

into positive messaging in the year to come.

FACTS is a vital part of our industry. It was

encouraging to see the new online annual

assessment scheme launched, largely at the

request of qualified advisers. Similarly, it was a

very positive step forward to see FACTS engage with

AIC’s Feed Adviser Register opening opportunities

to link crop and livestock nutrition on livestock

and mixed farms.

Defra’s draft Clean Air Strategy helped to focus the

sector committees on how the industry will take its

fair share of the overall effort needed to make

progress on reducing ammonia emissions to air

– a factor that affects both manure and slurry

handling (c 80%) as well as urea fertiliser (c 20%)

applications. AIC Members’ technical expertise was

important in advising Government on how altering

farming practices can mitigate emissions. However,

gaining consensus on a common policy position for

urea-based fertilisers has not been easy as this is

the first time that policy has been specific to a type of

fertiliser, thus potentially dividing Members’ interests.

That said, all Members agree in principle and can

see the bigger picture ahead which involves both

reducing emissions and the longer-term need to

increase Nitrogen Use Efficiency. The latter will be

guided by robust bodies of science linking cause and

effect which will be delivered by the latest FACTS

qualified advice.

Progress made on nitrate in water linked to

agriculture has been encouraging, following this

year’s Parliamentary Inquiry which gave AIC the

opportunity to present evidence. There is every

likelihood that similar inroads can be made on

ammonia but the timeframe is extremely tight

given a 2030 deadline for meeting reduction targets.

Looking ahead, there are challenges placed on

parts of the market for fertiliser materials using

coating materials, etc. to comply with future

biodegradability criteria. Given sufficient time to

research alternatives, the industry is fairly confident

of being able to adapt.


. . . it was a very positive step forward to see FACTS engage with AIC’s Feed Adviser Register.

FACTSFACTS


SEED

Chris GuestChairmanSeed Sector

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IS HEADING INTO

UNCHARTERED WATERS. As use of clothianidin

seed treatment ends in 2019 and thiram seed

treatment in beans in 2020 it is deeply regrettable

that we have lost more products over the past year.

It takes years and huge investments from breeders

and chemical companies alike to bring products

to market. We must champion these products,

alongside good stewardship together with

correct and positive messaging. This year the

Seeds Committee and AIC successfully got the

latest stewardship advice into NRoSO training,

in order to spread the message and have

practical impact on UK farms.

ESTA is the standard of the European Seed

Association (ESA) on quality assurance for seed

treatment and treated seed. It is there as a standard

to support the industry, providing quality assurance

that seed treatment and the resulting treated seed

meet requirements defined by legislators and

industry. Engagement with ESTA demonstrates

self-regulation and shows that, as an industry, we

are able to carry out best practice rather than

requiring further legislation.

Whilst the proposed change in the legal limit for

erucic acid in vegetable oil has yet to be finalised,

AIC has worked to enable the certified seed industry

to defend itself against any criticism on the erucic

acid content of seed. In April 2018 a voluntary code

of practice for testing for erucic acid in certified

seed using Gas Chromatography (GC), referenced

in the AHDB advice, was formulated by the AIC

Combinable Crops Seeds Committee and working

group. This code is supported by the British Society

of Plant Breeders. By having a relevant GC test

result for processed material, companies can defend

themselves against criticism of purchased seed

around elevated erucic levels at harvest.

The dry summer of 2018 led to issues with

winter bean germination, so AIC worked with Defra

to get derogations, with similar action needed for

spring beans and oats. It is important that these are

stewarded correctly – we must think of the long-term

health and reputation of the certified seed industry.

The European Court of Justice decision to

classify many New Plant Breeding Techniques as

GM is detrimental to UK growers. It could stifle yield

and agronomic benefits that are achievable through

modern plant breeding. AIC has regularly raised

this with government and will continue to do so,

as Ministers have raised it as an area for early

divergence from the EU post Brexit.

On Brexit, unless a deal is made and the EU grant

the UK equivalence, in the short term the UK will not

be able to export certified seed to the EU. Defra has

made an application to the EU for recognition of the

UK as equivalent to the EU. However, the Commission

will not consider this before the ongoing withdrawal

negotiations are complete.

Under a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, the UK will need third

country equivalence to market certified seed in the

EU. Seed would have to be OECD certified and have

an ISTA Orange International Certificate (OIC). An

OIC can only be issued by an ISTA accredited

laboratory, with the sample taken by a sampler

under the laboratory’s control. In January 2019,

AIC successfully lobbied government to provide

free ISTA seed sampling training which many

companies have benefitted from.

Seed treatments must be stewarded correctly – we must think of the long-term health and reputation of the certified seed industry.

POLICY

Paul RookeHead of Policy – External Affairs

LOOKING BACK OVER THE WORDS WRITTEN

12 MONTHS AGO it seems that what we were doing

then, we are still doing; and what we were expecting

to do, we are still expecting to do.

With Brexit not allowing anything else much

of a look in, the expected progress on domestic

legislation, via the Agriculture Bill, made some

progress but stalled as the year came to an end

– and the temperature in Westminster heated up.

Whilst progress is being made on the submission

for test and trial of projects for Environmental Land

Management Schemes (ELMS), the year ended with

much of the Defra resource re-routed to ‘no-deal’

and Day 1 planning.

AIC has continued to engage with a wide range

of stakeholders and Government Departments

throughout the year, including, via the Brexit Arable

Group, a seat on Defra’s Agri-Food Chain Business

Group – now designated one of the Government’s key

Expert Trade Advisory Groups. This Group will have a

role going forward to provide advice to Government as

part of the structure the UK will, as an independent

state, need to put into place.

AIC has also engaged with nine other trade

associations through the Agri-Brexit Coalition to

highlight key and particular issues for the agrisupply

industry broadly. The Coalition has attracted the

regular involvement of Defra officials and Robert

Goodwill, minister for farming at the time.

During the second half of the year the UK published

its WTO tariff schedule and the split of existing EU28

tariff rate quotas. Both the EU27 and the UK continue

negotiations with third countries over the ratification

of these schedules at WTO level, something which

still has some way to go before conclusion.

UK tariff policy will continue to be an issue of

debate throughout 2019 as UK Government moves

beyond its initial setting of rates to consult on what

they would expect a longer-term policy to look like.

It is entirely possible however that this longer-term

policy will still have, as its main focus, the impact on

UK consumer prices.

A priority for AIC in 2019 is the development of

views on the next phase of Brexit – our longer-term

trading relationship with the EU. To what extent

we follow, or diverge, from EU rules, standards,

requirements etc. will need to be carefully worked

through ahead of the next UK:EU27 negotiating

round.

Jane SalterHead of Policy – Environment


Left to right: Duncan Russell (NAAC); Katie Docherty (IMTA), Ruth Bailey (AEA) Jeremy Moody (CAAV), Robert Goodwill MP, Jaine Chisholm Caunt (GAFTA), Robert Sheasby (AIC), Sarah Mukherjee (CPA), Dawn Howard (NOAH), Penny Maplestone (BSPB).


POLICY

From an environmental perspective, output from

Defra has been unprecedented, during Michael

Gove’s direction as Secretary of State. Keen to achieve

consensus on a strategy for the environment fit for

the next 25 years, the Government published its first

cross party agreed 25 Year Environment Plan.

This was welcomed by AIC, insofar as it presented

no surprises, and built on the long-term timeframes

embedded in many pieces of existing regulation as

well as reinforcing the need for longer-term outlooks

in business planning for sustainability in its widest

sense. Mentioned in the plan are the new Farming

Rules for Water, which AIC helped to distil and

the Clean Air Strategy, which was revised to take

account of some industry concerns over the details

and timescales for meeting requirements to reduce

ammonia emissions from urea fertilisers. The need

for soil health was also highlighted as an imperative

- one which the supply industry values equally as

essential to both production and environmental goals.

This has led to numerous soil initiatives including the

latest industry-wide collaboration – the Soil Health

Initiative, chaired by AIC.

A considerable amount of AIC resource and

expertise was allocated to the Environment Audit

Committee’s Inquiry into Nitrate in Water. Our

written and oral evidence were published and

heard respectively, revealing that in the past

30 years the ‘bottom up’ plus top down regulatory

approach on nitrates has had a significant and

positive effect. The evidence we presented clearly

shows that given time, changes in farming practice,

based on robust science, make a difference. This is

encouraging as the next hot issue is ammonia and

the need to adopt the Code of Good Agricultural

Practice (COGAP) for reducing Ammonia Emissions –

a collaboratively written document involving AIC

and others.

As the year drew to a close, AIC began reviewing

numerous UK consultations on future plans for waste

plastic recovery and planning for any interventions

or new requirements alongside the EU regulatory

proposals for both plastics and microplastics.

Finally, but not least the policy team reviewed the

first of two parts of the draft Environment (Principles

and Governance) Bill, which will hold Government

to account upon leaving the EU for meeting its

obligations for environmental protection. In our

opinion the draft is on the right lines.

Given time, changes in farming practice, based on robust science, make a difference.

POLICYAgri-supply supporting Britain’s largest sector Food and Farming Nine leading trade associations involved in supplying advice, goods

and services to UK farmers – the foundation of the UK food industry

Coalition members supply UK farmers with: Advice, agricultural contracting, animal feed, assurance schemes, business support, crop nutrition, crop protection products, machinery and equipment, UK and export marketing services, seeds and varieties, veterinary products

9 Associations

3,000+ Members

60,000+ Direct Employees

A vital link in the £112bn UK food chain

5,000+ trained advisers tailoring

knowledge to enhance farm performance and

environmental benefit for crops, livestock and

the countryside

Delivering

£14bn worth of goods and services at

the farmgate

John KelleyManaging Director AIC Services and Chief Operating Officer AIC


AIC SERVICES

THE FEED TRADE ASSURANCE SCHEMES goes

from strength to strength with the ’Earned

Recognition’ agreements in place with UK

governments and Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

AIC Services provides a lot of data from our

schemes to ensure this continues which results

in a lower enforcement regime for feed businesses

from local authorities. This saves valuable resource

for both the feed industry and the Government

enforcement authorities.

Numbers within the feed schemes continued

to grow, which was predominately due to AIC

Services absorbing GTAS participants, since GAFTA

relinquished its responsibility for the scheme. Over

400 participants have been transferred, which was

a major achievement for KIWA the certification body

as well as AIC Services’ Technical Managers. This

now provides an easier framework to follow and

ensures uniform standards throughout the industry.

AIC Services, in conjunction with the feed sector,

has continued discussions with the Food Standards

Agencies, other agencies and Government

Departments to ensure that our schemes remain

part of the assurance framework for industry

and Government once the UK exits the EU. The

schemes provide a reliable due diligence defence

for businesses and have led to lower feed incidents

thus ensuring a reliable and safe UK feed sector.

We continue to promulgate this message within

stakeholder meetings.

The year was marked by updates to two AIC

Services’ Schemes. New, updated codes were

implemented for the Trade Assurance Scheme for

Combinable Crops (TASCC) in February 2018. Towards

the end of the year a completely rewritten Feed

Materials Assurance Schemes (FEMAS) standard

was finalised. The updates take into account the

latest legislation and industry best practice to ensure

that the UK feed sector remains ’fit for purpose’.

AIC Services began consultations with industry

from September regarding increasing the

’unannounced audit programme’ for feed schemes.

This is in response to changes in the assurance

requirements both within industry and our

stakeholder groups. Proposals are currently being

developed and consultation will continue to ensure

the most effective level of visits is achieved. This

initiative will enhance the robustness of the feed

schemes and feed safety.

The Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS)

continues to have a high profile with its stakeholder

group, which includes Defra, Home Office,

National Office for Counter Terrorism,

Health & Safety Executive and the National

Farmers Union. A new i-learning platform

for FIAS transport managers and hauliers

was launched in October 2018, providing

an effective means to update skills in a way

that suits the industry’s working patterns.

AIC Services began consultations with industry from September regarding increasing the ’unannounced audit programme’ for feed schemes.


Module 4, the new module for the

Feed Adviser Register (FAR) was

launched in two sections during

2018. This module focused on the

health of livestock on-farm and aimed to increase

the core competencies of feed advisers within these

areas. Additional training was also supported by

FAR, through the Northern Ireland Grain Trade

(NIGTA) to meet some specific requirements that

Northern Ireland’s feed advisers have to take into

account.

AIC Services also put in a bid for the Chairmanship

and Secretariat for the Forage Analysis Assurance

Group (FAAG). This contract was won by AIC

Services in July 2018 and the organisation now

looks forward to coordinating the group’s activities,

including operating the annual proficiency testing

scheme which controls the quality and consistency

of FAAG members’ forage analyses. The addition of

FAAG to AIC Services is complementary to both the

feed schemes and feed advisers, so we look forward

to building closer relationships in these areas and

making FAAG more visible to livestock farmers.

Agribusiness

2019 was chaired

by Charlotte Smith;

BBC Rural Affairs

Correspondent, with keynote speakers Minette

Batters; NFU President, Sir Peter Kendall;

Chairman of AHDB, as well as two Chief Executives

of the AgriTech Centres for livestock and crop

protection. Defra also outlined its Brexit plans

and forthcoming Agricultural Bill. With over 200

delegates, including Members and stakeholder

groups, Agribusiness 2019 provided a key

networking event.

AIC uses print and online communications to ensure Members and several hundred key stakeholders are kept up-to-date on what AIC is doing and key achievements

www.agindustries.org.uk

Journal Quarter 1 SPRING 2018 1

JOURNALSPRING 2018

WORKING IN SUPPORT OF MODERN, SUSTAINABLE, COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE

The UK supply trade

is the second largest

funder of research and

development. This is

one of the key findings

emerging from AIC’s

latest report – Status of

agricultural knowledge:

Development and advice.

The report produced against the backdrop

of Brexit, updates the Confederation’s ‘Value

of Advice’ project of 2013. It looked at the

growing network of professional advisers

delivering knowledge to farmers across the

UK. With input from AIC Members, the report

quantifies the investment being made in near

market development as well as tr

aining.

AIC is using the information in its on-going

discussions with government on the key role that

the supply industry can play in helping agric

ulture

become more efficient

and sustainable.

The report makes clear that the role of

advisers has progressed beyond basic crop or

animal production. FAR members, for instance,

are engaging with training modules to reduce

ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from

livestock. While BASIS and FACTS advisers

continue to develop competence in biodiversity

and environmental protection.

The report and associated literature are

being used by the AIC policy team to underpin

to civil servants and other key stake

holders the

professionalism of the supply industry and its

potential to help achieve government objectives.

Copies of the full report and accompanying

six page leaflet are available on the AIC website

http://bit.ly/2FZPdQh.

Latest repor

t highlights

Industry inve

stment

in Agri-Knowledge

Key findings include:

Over £50m invested by AIC

Members in near-market R&D

5,000+ advisers on

professional registers who

engage day-in, day-out with

UK farmers

£40m invested in turning

research findings into added

value technical solutions

800,000 hours

a year spent on Continuing

Professional Development

£9m spent to maintain

professional qualifications

for all the industry’s

advisers

Further information: Dave Freeman, Policy M

anager dave.fr

[email protected]

SPRING 2018


1

6

Status of

agricultural

knowledge

Development

and advice

As UK agriculture prepares to play its part

in a post-Brexit world, it is necessary to

unlock the industry’s full potential.

Established networks of professional advisers

exist to deliver knowledge capable of:

• Raising productivity

on-farm

• Making efficient use of inputs

• Delivering policy objectives to protect

and enhance the environment.

However, a more joined-up approach is

needed in how knowledge is generated and

disseminated from basic through applied research

to developmental work and practical advice.

A holistic strategy is e

ssential to optimise land use,

food production and environmental enhancement.

An increase in the efficiency and productivity

of UK agriculture is vital as the nation

addresses the challenges of trading in

world markets post-Brexit and improving

the country’s self-sufficiency.

Effectively applying knowledge, from university

and state sectors, to practical UK agricu

lture is

the key to:

• Efficient use of resources

• Increased productivity

• Enhanced environmental benefit

• Sustainable land use.


2

In 2017, an exercise – using qualitative and

quantitative research – was undertaken

with AIC Members. The aim was to update

the Value of Advice Report and identify

current investment in research and

development. In addition, it reviewed

how R&D was directed, both for in-house

projects and those undertaken in broader

collaboration. The investment of time and

money in staff training was also explored

as well as the most critical issue of how the

knowledge, once generated, is transferred

onto farms and put into practice.

The key findings are shown opposite.

The need for an improved knowledge chain

What also emerged is the need for a much more

joined up approach to how knowledge is developed

and then transferred to farm and put to use.

The ‘continuum of agri-knowledge’ (right) models

how knowledge should develop from fundamental

beginnings to application of tailored advice on farm.

In truth, too often there is lack of strat

egic focus in

direction and weak links in the knowledge chain.

The need for improved efficiency

Over the past decade the rate of improvement in

agricultural productivity

has seen the UK fall behind

other nations. This makes a fresh approach to the

generation and application of agri-

knowledge vital.

2013 – the tr

usted nature

of

advisers in f

arm management

2017 – a fres

h look at the

status

of agri-know

ledge

Figure 1:

The farmer’s ring of confidence

340

290

240

190

140

90

Inde

x 19

61=1

00

1961 19

66 1971 19

76 1981 19

86 1991 19

96 2001 20

06 2010

United Kingdom

United StatesFrance

Germany

Netherlands

In 2013 AIC published its Value of Advice

project which developed the concept of

a Ring of Confidence.

A key finding was that ‘Farmers value trusted,

credible, relationships with professional advisers.’

In effect a Ring of Confidence exists (se

e Fig 1)

where a range of advisers and consultants form

part of the management team on-farm.

Understanding this model is critical to

effective

delivery of both policy objectives for UK agriculture

and the environment, but also for the commercial

need for a viable and sustainable farming industry.

FARMER

SolicitorsVets

Land agents

Bankers |

accountants

Family

members

Levy board |

industry advisers

Feed advisers |

animal nutritionistsBusiness

consultants

Contractors

Other farmersSeed

merchants

Farm traders

Agronomist and

crop advisers

Special interest

groups

FSA

inspectors

AHVLA

inspectors

VMD

inspectors

Farm

assurance

inspectors

HSE officers

RPA inspectors

Environment

Agency

officers

FERA

advisers

Natural

England

advisers

T H E V A L U E O F A D V I C E

VALUE

of advice

PROJECT

T H E V A L U E O F A D V I C E

www.agindustries.org.ukaddressing individua

l business needs: su

pporting sustainabl

e farming systems

To the agri-supp

ly industry:

• £200m annual investment in professional advisers

• £5m annual investment in CPD

• £45m annual investment in R&D

• 20,000 meaningful conversations on farm every week

To farmers:

• Credible advice from trusted advisers

• Expertise tailored to their specific needs

• Effective knowledge exchange

To Governments and other

stakeholders, a d

elivery route:

• Helps achieve policy objectives on farms

• Achieves environmental compliance and best practice

• Supports voluntary industry-led initiatives

The UK’s farming activities

are supported by a wide range

of professional advisers –

from agronomists to vets,

from feed advisers to seed

representatives. Each plays a

vital role in delivering technical

advice to support sustainable

farming systems. Traditionally

focused on improving

production; today, advisers are

helping businesses to improve

competitiveness and resource

efficiency, deliver environmental

objectives, and contribute to

the wider sustainable

intensification agenda.

April 2013

404938 VAP A4 LEAFLET 24/04/2013 15:14 Page 1

FULLY CONNECTING AT EVERY STAGE WILL

UNLOCK UK FARMING POTENTIAL

2


3

FARMER

SolicitorsVets

Land agents

Bankers |

accountants

Family

members

Levy board |

industry advisers

Feed advisers |

animal nutritionistsBusiness

consultants

Contractors

Other farmersSeed

merchants

Farm traders

Agronomist and

crop advisers

Special interest

groups

FSA

inspectors

AHVLA

inspectors

VMD

inspectors

Farm

assurance

inspectors

HSE officers

RPA inspectors

Environment

Agency

officers

FERA

advisers

Natural

England

advisers

Continuum of agri-knowledge

BASICResearch

Fundamental research

–Research Councils and Universities

Basic research

– BBSRC/ global companies, etc

Applied research

and development

– AHDB funded, etc

Development trials

– AIC Members and others

Detailed knowledge application

– agronomists, feed advisers, etc

APPLIEDResearch

DEVELOPMENT

DEMONSTRATIONS

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

FULLY CONNECTING AT EVERY STAGE WILL

UNLOCK UK FARMING POTENTIAL

Broad knowledge dispersal

– demonstrations/media articles

3


4

The whole is

greater tha

n

the sum of its

parts

COMMERCIAL ADVICE

Industry led

co-ordination

Levy BoardsState

(State advisory

service)

Catchment

partnerships

FARMER

GOVERNMENT PLATFORMS

COMMERCIAL R

ESEA

RCH

AHDB

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Status of

agricultural

knowledge

Development

and advice

Development trials

– AIC Members and others

Detailed knowledge application

– agronomists, feed advisers, etc

Looking ahead

AIC research has shown how the agri-supply industry in

vests heavily in near market research

(the development aspect of R&D) and maintaining large numbers of highly-proficient advisers

through extensive continuing professional development.

However, it has also highlighted some lack o

f connection between the basic/ applied end of

the continuum of knowledge and its subsequent development and practica

l application.

Only by becoming increasingly ‘joined up’ can the scientific and advisory communities deliver

the best know-how to UK agriculture.

Unlocking the full potential of the UK’s scientific excellence is the key

to creating a modern, commercial, sustainable agricultural industry

to provide food security and an enhanced environment.

SPRING 2018

Status of agricultural knowledge

Development and advice

DEVELOPING AGRICULTURAL

KNOWLEDGE AND ADVICE

www.agindustries.org.uk Journal Quarter 1 SUMMER 2018 1

JOURNALSUMMER 2018


Robert Sheasby took up

the reins as the new Chief

Executive in mid-May after

some years as an NFU

Regional Director.

Robert brings a wealth

of experience in agriculture,

politics and education to the post. His previous

role included engagement with a wide range of

stakeholders from UK and European politicians to

various agencies and research organisations involved in

the countryside. He is also a governor of Easton and

Otley College.

“AIC is delighted to have secured Robert – with his

wealth of experience in the industry – to take on the role

of Chief Executive,” said AIC Chairman Nick Major. “He

will succeed David Caffall, who was the Confederation’s

first CEO and who has successfully developed AIC to its

leading position within the agricultural industry today.”

See Robert’s column – page 3

Cereals 2018 saw the

launch of a new collaborative

commitment by a wide, and

growing number of industry

organisations, committed to

working together to improve soil

health across the UK’s farmland.

The launch was the culmination

of some months of work by AIC Policy Team

members Jane Salter and Dave Freeman with

others from across the scientific, academic,

industry, agronomy and farming bodies.

The new initiative for Soil Health is bringing together

scientists, academics, industry farm advisers and farming

bodies to take a long-term approach to understanding

and improving the health of soils across UK farmland

for generations to come.

The new body is a direct response to the

Government’s ambition that ‘all England’s soils should

be managed sustainably by 2030, supporting profitable

and productive farming, and underpinning targets for clean

water and air…’ (Defra 25 year environment plan.)

Initial backing has come from a range of bodies

including AIC Member companies as well as research

and advisory organisations, soil laboratories, farmers

and growers. At the time of the press launch over 30

organisations had signed up and the list continues to grow.

The partnership is keen to expand to ensure as wide a

representation of interests and disciplines as possible.

This renewed emphasis on soils will continue to

build on existing knowledge and skills bringing together

information, best practice and develop new approaches.

Identifying knowledge gaps and encouraging research will

also be important.

Work will also be undertaken to establish the

characteristics for soil health and on-farm approaches

to monitor them over time. While some measures, such

as earthworms, can change quite rapidly, others such as

soil organic matter change slowly, often over many years.

Therefore, those involved are committed to a long-term

approach to measuring soil health improvement.

On-farm advice will play a critical part. There will be

no one-size fits all blueprint as improving soil health will

be, in part, built on existing practice, soil type, climate, etc.

Through initial meetings, the partnership recognised

that work to address soil health is quite extensive.

However, to date all this effort has lacked coordination.

Working with the farming community, the emerging ini-

tiative will look to deliver a consistent and co-ordinated

approach to improving soil health across the UK.

Robert Sheasby takes over as Chief ExecutiveFurther information: Dave Freeman, Policy Manager [email protected]

AIC joins forces in industry -wide focus on healthy soils


Journal Quarter 1 WINTER 2018 1

2019

JOURNALWINTER 2018

As UK government takes back control of agricultural policy, the whole agrisupply

industry including AIC will need to engage more closely with UK politicians and policy

makers, said Chief Executive Robert Sheasby speaking at Agribusiness 2019.

Robert told delegates of the challenges of what he termed ‘the Brexit conundrum’. “Every sector of AIC has engaged extensively with relevant ministries,” said Robert. “We have met with officials to ensure they fully understand the practical issues in areas such as trade, customs arrangements and regulations.”

The uncertainty that continues to surround just how the UK will exit the European Union has increased workload for staff and committees alike as a range of scenarios has to be considered. The Agri-Brexit Coalition had been important in strengthening the voice of the whole agrisupply industry with the coming together of AIC with seven like-minded trade bodies that together represent over £10bn at the farmgate – a powerful combined voice to engage with Defra and other ministries. Brexit, in whatever form, will put a new emphasis on UK Government for the first time in decades.

“The Agriculture Bill is little more than a clothes horse on which much more detail has yet to be hung,” said Robert.

“This means new and stronger bonds need to be built between trade associations, politicians and civil servants in both UK Government and the devolved administrations,” he said.The AIC team has been busy mapping the location of Members by parliamentary constituency. “I hope Members will join with us in building on any relationships with elected politicians that already exist and forging new relationships. Members are often significant employers and contributors to local economies. We aim to enable them to have meaningful conversations at a local level to underpin the national work undertaken by the AIC policy team.”

Together we can get the agrisupply industry higher up the political agenda


For a full report of all speakers at Agribusiness 2019 see pages 4–7

Working together in post-Brexit era

www.agindustries.org.uk Journal Quarter 1 AUTUMN 2018 1

JOURNALAUTUMN 2018

The stage is set for this year’s Agribusiness 2019 event – the only conference dedicated to the UK agrisupply industry – which this year focuses on the opportunities that could exist for British agriculture post-Brexit.

The conference line-up of speakers is drawn from across the industry from farming to politics, from consumer trends to innovative science. Their brief is to take a broad look at what the future may hold for UK agribusiness and the food and feed supply chains against a backdrop not just of Brexit, but also the UK’s first Agriculture Bill in decades which seeks to enhance both productivity and the environment.

BBC Farming Today presenter Charlotte Smith makes a welcome return as conference chairman to ensure searching questions are asked and the conference runs to time.

AIC Chief Executive Robert Sheasby will outline the challenges and opportunities for the agrisupply sector. A senior representative from Government will address the ever changing political scene.

Gemma Cooper from Nielsen Marketing will explore how consumer trends are changing – an essential factor in looking ahead; NFU President Minette Batters will provide a view from the farm and Sir Peter Kendall, in his role as a member of the Food and Drink Sector Council will give an overview of the food and farming supply chain.

Presentations looking at the work of the Innovation Centres will be given by Fraser Black, Chief Executive of agricultural innovations centre Crop Protection and Health; and Lyndsay Chapman, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Innovation & Excellence in Livestock.

Opportunities to network Agribusiness conferences attract some 200 delegates from AIC’s Membership as well as a range of other stakeholders. It is an ideal opportunity to meet up with like-minded individuals. It is also an opportunity to meet the AIC staff who will all be present. In addition, a mini-exhibition of supporting businesses takes place during the various breaks in the day.

Why not join us for supper? For those travelling some distance, there is the opportunity to join delegates and AIC staff at an informal pre-conference supper held at nearby Orton Hall.

Full details of Agribusiness 2019 and booking forms can be found on the dedicated website: www.agribusiness.org.uk or contact Debbie Walker at: [email protected]

Focus on post-Brexit opportunities

201914 November 2018

Creating a resilient UK Agri-food supply chain

John Kelley, Managing Director,

AIC Services john.kelley@

agindustries.org.uk

I look forward to welcoming you to

Agribusiness 2019 – THE event for the agrisupply industry

East of England Showground


‘

‘

STOP PRESS

First response to Agriculture

Bill Page 8

TASCCforceAutumn 2018 Issue 23

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE TRADE ASSURANCE SCHEME FOR COMBINABLE CROPS

Welcome

InsideWelcome to the latest

edition of TASCCforce which looks at the latest news in food and feed safety and

assurance.

We hope you find this edition informative.

If you have any questions about the contents or

ideas for future editions, then please contact me

via the details on the back page.Garry Rudd Technical Manager, AIC

A reminder to all TASCC participants employed

by British Sugar during the 2018 sugar beet

campaign. British Sugar now has two tiers of trailer at intake

which they allow:1. A ‘TASCC Assured’ fleet – TASCC trailers

which are fully compliant with the TASCC

exclusion list.2. A ‘Non-assured’ fleet – non-assured trailers

which follow the British Sugar exclusion list.

You must ensure that you keep to the TASCC

requirements particularly in terms of the three

previous loads as stipulated in the TASCC code of

practice. This must not be confused with the British

Sugar excluded materials list which they use for non

TASCC and Red Tractor vehicles.

In June 2017, Gafta (Grain and Feed Trade

Association) announced that they will

no longer be running GTAS (Gafta Trade

Assurance Scheme) in the areas of Transport

and Storage from 1st January 2019.

Therefore, from now until 1st January 2019

there will be GTAS participants whose

current assurance will end and they will

either join another assurance scheme or

withdraw from the industry.Please note that from the 1st January 2019,

GTAS hauliers and Stores will be classed as non

assured and, therefore, must not be used.

To that end, AIC members and trade assurance

participants are reminded to check the assurance

details of hauliers at intake/outloading and of

stores before use as the status may have changed

potentially causing a rejection of the product.

Mutual recognition – what it meansTASCC – participants’ viewsNew rodent control courses A new face at Kiwa

Transport and load safety British Sugar exclusion/sensitive list – use TASCC

Checking the assurance status

of GTAS participants

TASCCSure and Jelf – same company, different nameAIC offers an infinity partnership

insurance offer for TASCC participants.

As a certified participant you may be

eligible for a low insurance premium

so cost savings can be made.The scheme was originally run by the

insurance company Bluefin which is now

renamed as Jelf.

Links to the relevant assurance checkers are:

AIC: https://www.aictradeassurance.org.uk/home/

GTAS: https://www.gafta.com/GTAS-Database

Further information is given in the attached flier and on the link: https://bit.ly/2QmiskQ

«

Business insightIn this issue

Health & Safety by regionHome working guidelines GDPR – are you ready? Forthcoming legislation

Welcome to the latest edition of the AIC Business Insight newsletter which features: guidance on home working; news on a new document on waste packaging disposal and a summary of upcoming legislation. The Business Insight service is fully supported by Croner experts in health and safety, employment and business law.

Members are encouraged to use the Business Support Helpline on 08445 618133 and quoting the scheme number.I hope you find this newsletter useful. Please let me know if there are any topics you would like to see covered in the future.

Garry Rudd, AIC Technical Manager

Welcome


BUSINESS INSIGHT ISSUE 14 SPRING 2018

A recently published document provides guidelines on how to dispose of hazardous packaging. It has been produced by trade associations representing companies operating in the chemicals supply chain. The document includes guidance on assessing if packaging to be taken off site is waste or not and if waste, whether it is waste packaging or not and whether it should be classified as hazardous or non-hazardous. The Environment Agency, Natural Resource Wales and Scottish Environment Protection Agency have agreed to its adoption in England, Wales and Scotland. The document can be found online at: www.bacsnet.org/work/waste-packaging-guidance/

Disposal of packaging waste

WP1 July 2017

The assessment and classification of waste packaging

Industry guidance for assessing whether packaging to

be taken offsite is waste or not and if waste, whether it

is waste packaging or not and whether it should be

classified as hazardous or non-hazardous

Members are to be reminded that on 25th May 2018, the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016/679 come into force. This European privacy law will require big changes and potentially significant investment by organisations all over the world.The regulation gives EU residents the right to request from organisations whatever data is being stored about them and withdraw consent to its use, thus effectively ordering its destruction.

According to Article 12 of the GDPR, this request must be free of charge, easy to make and must be fulfilled without ‘undue delay and at the latest within one month’.Penalties for non-compliance could cost your organisation upwards of 20 million euros or 4% of total annual revenue worldwide – whichever is higher. Most organisations will require significant time and investment to support GDPR mandated processes and capabilities and may need to carry out the following:1. Review your approach to personal information

Review how your organisation uses information in the area of direct marketing, services or fundraising.

2. Review your privacy notices wherever you collect personal information Do your notices have a fair processing and privacy notice? Do they inform people about how their personal information will be used?3. Review the quality of consent you currently hold You should review where you obtained your current data from and the methods used to collect that data. This is because a clear record of consent is one of the ways to justify the use of personal information for direct marketing purposes.4. Review the functionality and use of current Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Will your current CRM manage the use of personal information for all the different purposes you require?5. Plan your steps to GDPR compliance Investment in equipment, personnel and staff may be required to meet these new requirements.

Further information can be found on the following link https://ico.org.uk/for- organisations/guide-to-the-general-data- protection-regulation-gdpr/

GDPR will bring big changes in May 2018

FEED ADVISER

REGISTER UPDATE

FAR Module 4 section 2 nearing launch

Winter 2018

Edition 9

www.feedadviserregister.org.uk

quality feed advice : increasing production efficiency : reducing emissions

In this Issue

• Smart Inventories:

Improving emission

assessments

• Helping pig and poultry

farms implement BAT

• Introducing CPD

• Northern Ireland update

• Getting closer to Red

Tractor

• Joining up advice for

livestock farmers

FAR Module 4 section 2 is a progression

from section 1 and covers nitrogen

management in monogastrics and ruminants.

Training will follow the same format as section

1 with an online presentation and a set of

i-validation questions. Feed advisers will

have 5 months from launch to complete

section 2 successfully.

Update on progress with FAR Module

4 section 1

Launched in spring 2018, the first section

of FAR Module 4 covers management of

phosphorus and methane in ruminants

as well as a monogastric presentation

covering phosphorus.

By 26 November 2018 section 1 had been

successfully completed by 765 feed advisers.

Feed advisers have until 31 December 2018

to complete this section. Completion will

maintain FAR status and allow progression.

Recording of FAR Modules 1 and 2

Currently FAR is looking at making recordings

of the ruminant FAR Module 1 and 2

presentations so they are available for

online training. When FAR was launched,

feed advisers completed FAR training

in-house using the FAR module 1 and 2

core competencies as a guide.

Making these presentations available online

will enable feed advisers to access material

as and when it is most convenient. The first

set of training presentations for the ruminant

sector are expected to be available by the

year end.

AIC is also preparing presentations for the

monogastric sector for Modules 1 and 2.

These too will be made available online.

Work is progressing on the next section of FAR Module 4 which will be launched

early in 2019. Overall, Module 4 aims to help advisers understand how nutrition

and feeding management can be used to mitigate environmental impact.

TASCCforce Spring 2019 Issue 24

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE TRADE ASSURANCE SCHEME FOR COMBINABLE CROPS

WelcomeWelcome to the latest edition of TASCCforce.

In this edition we discuss the Drivers CPC

training, Top Action Points along with various

on line services hosted by the TASCC

certification body, Kiwa.I hope you find TASCCforce informative. If you

have any questions about the items included or

have ideas for articles in future editions, then

please get in touch (contact details on

the back page).

The latest review of the TASCC code of practice

has begun and the various

working groups for logistics and testing have

begun to meet. United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)

has informed AIC that it requires six months to go

through any new editions

of the code before issue which will impact the overall

review timetable. Therefore,

the TASCC Review Group suggested extending the

review to February 2021 (instead of February 2020).

This gives UKAS time to review the revised code and

it would also be in line with other AIC schemes.

My name is Matt Masters,

I have been a TASCC auditor for the past four

years and over this period

the way that we complete

audits has changed greatly.

Originally, when I started auditing, we had to handwrite

assessments which was time consuming to say the

least. Fast forward with the

introduction last July of E-cert

which allows audits to be carried out electronically,

I find the system quicker and more efficient. When I have explained to

clients during the opening meeting what I am doing

they have been very excited

at the prospect of being able to access their reports

electronically.

TASCC review underway

– February 2021

E-cert: an auditor’s perspective

InsideAIC – online storage and haulage inventories

Top action points by scheme type

Contract farming and Red Tractor Incinerator ash update

Garry Rudd Technical Manager, AIC

TASCCforce 24 Spring 2019 1

2019

AIC SCOTLAND

NORTHERN IRELAND

Stephen Kenyon

ChairmanAIC Scotland

THE YEAR HAS BEEN CHALLENGING. The

weather presented problems to the supply

industry and customers alike.

Looking back over recent seasons, it appears

climatic variation will become the new norm. While

politically, the pressures as Brexit appeared to loom

caused considerable concern. For Scotland, a key

issue is how agricultural support will operate in

the future. AIC has and will continue to work

constructively with government and other key

stakeholders to devise a way forward that provides

both a sustainable and profitable future for the

whole farming and foodchain.

A new Policy Manager for Scotland, Ian Muirhead

has been recruited following Kevin Mills retirement.

Extra resources have been committed to the post

with the aim of enhancing our communication and

influence at Government level. We have achieved

success in this objective, developing a good rapport

within the Agriculture Policy Division and will start

the next year with a meeting with Cabinet Secretary

Fergus Ewing.

The year also saw the foundations laid for AIC to

encourage Member companies to engage with their

local politicians at national, UK and European levels.

Inviting parliamentarians to see our businesses

first hand will help build an understanding of the

importance of the agrisupply industry in terms of

employment, economic benefit and rural support.


. . . politically, the pressures as Brexit appeared to loom caused considerable concern.

THE BREXIT TORTURE CONTINUES IN NORTHERN

IRELAND – surely 2019 will see an end to the

uncertainty and confusion which is damaging,

not just the economy, but the fabric of society

in the province.

Our association having lobbied politicians and

public opinion to oppose the exit from the European

Union – then lobbied for the Theresa May withdrawal

agreement – and more recently we have lobbied

against leaving the EU without a deal.

The significant damage that will arise from

the reinstatement of an economic border on this

small island is unthinkable. We can only hope that

something workable can be salvaged from the

situation in which we find ourselves.

The more positive news from this part of the world

is the rapid growth in our agri-food sector. This has

been achieved through investment and efficiency at

every link in the food chain. However, sustainability is

the new mantra and further industry development will

only be possible in the context of managed reductions

in emissions from farm animals.

The FAR training program has been an invaluable

tool in this regard. With the addition of a Northern

Ireland module and the support of CAFRE (the

agricultural colleges) it is recognised as making a

major contribution to the environmental challenge.

Declan Billington

AIC Board MemberNorthern Ireland


AIC Board1 February 2018 to 31 January 2019

James McCullochHead of Feed Sector

Paul RookeHead of Crop Marketing

& Seed Sectors

Member Support

Sectors

AIC Services

Policy Unit

AIC Scotland

Inge VerwoerdTechnical ManagerFeed Sector / FAR

Hazel DoonanHead of Crop Protection

& Agronomy Sector

Tracy SmithMembership Services

Manager(appointed 4 June 2018)

Simon WilliamsTechnical Manager

John Kelley Chief Operating Officer, AIC

& MD, AIC Services

Jane SalterHead of Policy –

Environment & Fertilisers

Robert SheasbyChief Executive

(appointed 21 May 2018)

Ian Muirhead Scotland Policy Manager (P/T)

(appointed 1 November 2018)

Andrew RichardsonStrategy / Seed

Paul TaylorSeed

(retired 10 October 2018)

Nick MajorPast Chairman Strategy / Feed

David SheppardCrop Marketing


Jo(seph) GilbertsonHead of

Fertiliser Sector

Chris ClaytonCrop Protection

& Agronomy

Angela BoothFeed

Declan BillingtonNorthern Ireland

Chris GuestSeed

(appointed 10 October 2018)

Robert MunroTreasurer

David HopkinsStrategy / Fertiliser

George PerrottSpecialist – Feed

(P/T)

Dave Freeman Policy Manager

Carolynn PalasiukDatabase Manager & Membership Support

Lisa HawesAccountant (P/T)

Judith NelsonSpecialist – Feed (P/T)

Andrew McShaneChairman


Roberta ReeveTechnical Manager(appointed 16 April 2018)

Paul Rooke Head of Policy – External Relations

Peter ScottFertiliser


Simon ChristensenStrategy /

Crop Marketing

Howard ClarkFertiliser


Stephen KenyonScotland

Gill GilbertAdministration & HR Manager

and PA to CEO

Caron CroninAccounts Assistant (P/T)

Lorraine DaviesWebsite & IT Manager

Julia CorrSecretarial Support

Catherine BarrettSector Manager

Andrew Newby Strategy / Seed

Mark WorrellCrop Marketing


Debbie WalkerSecretarial Support &

Accounts Assistant

David Caffall Director of Policy

Garry Rudd Technical Manager

Organisational structure


AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES CONFEDERATION LIMITEDREPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 31 January 2019Company Registration Number: 0316783 (England and Wales)

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 January 2019 for the group, being Agricultural Industries Confederation Limited and its subsidiary, Agricultural Industries Confederation Services Limited.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIESThe organisation is the principal trade association representing members in the agricultural supply industry.

The principal activity of the subsidiary, Agricultural Industries Confederation Services Limited, is managing trade assurance schemes within the agricultural supply industry.

DIRECTORSThe directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements are shown on page 15.

QUALIFYING THIRD PARTY INDEMNITY PROVISIONSThe company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its directors during the year. These provisions remain in force at the reporting date.

AUDITORThe auditor, RSM UK Audit LLP, is deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

STATEMENT AS TO DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORSSo far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, each director has taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as a director in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.

By order of the BoardR Sheasby,Secretary

10 July 2019

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and company, and of the profit or loss of the group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group

and company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the group’s and company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Financial Statements


INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES CONFEDERATION LIMITED

OPINIONWe have audited the financial statements of Agricultural Industries Confederation Limited (the ‘parent company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 January 2019 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Income and Retained Earnings, the Consolidated and Company Statements of Financial Position and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and the parent company’s affairs as at 31 January 2019 and of the group’s profit for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

BASIS FOR OPINIONWe conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

• the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or• the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt

about the group’s or the parent company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

OTHER INFORMATIONThe other information comprises the information included in the directors’ report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

OPINIONS ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

• the information given in the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

• the directors’ report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.



Claire Sutherland (Senior Statutory Auditor)For and on behalf of RSM UK Audit LLP, Statutory Auditor

Chartered AccountantsAbbotsgate House

Hollow RoadBury St EdmundsSuffolk, IP32 7FA


INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES CONFEDERATION LIMITED (CONTINUED)

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTIONIn the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

• the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or• certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or• the directors were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take

advantage of the small companies’ exemption in preparing the directors’ report and take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORSAs explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 16, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSOur objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: http://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

USE OF OUR REPORTThis report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.


Financial StatementsCompany Registration Number: 0316783

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND MEMBERS’ FUNDSFor the year ended 31 January 2019

2019Group

2019Company

2018Group

2018Company

Notes £ £ £ £

Turnover 2,864,934 2,094,999 2,704,006 2,066,366

Cost of sales (173,754) (60,501) (130,279) (62,787)

Gross surplus 2,691,180 2,034,498 2,573,727 2,003,579

Administrative expenses (2,511,914) (2,007,905) (2,463,041) (1,931,805)

Operating surplus/(deficit) 179,266 26,593 110,686 71,774

Income from other fixed asset investments 20,802 17,448 23,023 19,366

Other interest receivable and similar 8,841 5,297 6,409 3,887

Other gains and losses (51,785) (51,785) 35,064 35,064

Surplus/(deficit) before taxation 157,124 (2,447) 175,182 130,091

Taxation 3 (33,053) (3,243) (24,270) (16,270)

Surplus/(deficit) for the financial year 124,071 (5,690) 150,912 113,821

Members’ funds brought forward 1,672,293 1,272,588 1,521,381 1,158,768

Members’ funds carried forward 1,796,364 1,266,898 1,672,293 1,272,588



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION At 31 January 2019

Company Registration Number: 0316783

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to groups and companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 10 July 2019 and are signed on its behalf by:

A McShane (Chairman) R Munro (Treasurer)Director Director

2019 2018

Notes £ £ £ £

Fixed assetsTangible assets 4 21,751 18,451Investments 5 644,726 696,511

666,477 714,962

Current assetsDebtors 7 251,066 243,035

Investments 8 800,000 700,000Cash at bank and in hand 875,983 713,738

1,927,049 1,656,773

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 (794,077) (692,626)

Net current assets 1,132,972 964,147

Total assets less current liabilities 1,799,449 1,679,109

Provisions for liabilities (3,085) (6,816)

Net assets 1,796,364 1,672,293

Capital and reserves

Members’ funds 1,796,364 1,672,293



COMPANY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION At 31 January 2019

Company Registration Number: 0316783

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 10 July 2019 and are signed on its behalf by:

A McShane (Chairman) R Munro (Treasurer)Director Director

2019 2018

Notes £ £ £ £

Fixed assetsTangible assets 4 21,751 18,451Investments 5 644,826 696,611

666,577 715,062

Current assetsDebtors 7 118,101 98,553

Investments 8 400,000 400,000Cash at bank and in hand 480,520 432,391

998,621 930,944

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 (395,215) (366,602)

Net current assets 603,406 564,342

Total assets less current liabilities 1,269,983 1,279,404

Provisions for liabilities (3,085) (6,816)

Net assets 1,266,898 1,272,588

Capital and reserves

Members’ funds 1,266,898 1,272,588


NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 January 2019

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Company information Agricultural Industries Confederation Limited (“the company”) is a private company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital and is registered, domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Confederation House, East of England Showground, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 6XE.

The group consists of Agricultural Industries Confederation Limited and its subsidiary undertaking, Agricultural Industries Confederation Services Limited.

Accounting conventionThese financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 as applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. The disclosure requirements of section 1A of FRS 102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

Basis of consolidationThe consolidated financial statements incorporate those of Agricultural Industries Confederation Limited and its subsidiary (i.e. an entity that the company controls through its power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain economic benefits).

All intra-group transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation.

TurnoverThe turnover of the group and company is calculated by reference to the total income generated by all activities of the group and includes income derived from members’ annual subscriptions and entrance fees. Subscription income is recognised on a straight line basis over the subscription period and income relating to future periods is disclosed as deferred income and included in other creditors.

The turnover of the group is calculated by reference to the total income generated by all the group’s activities and includes income derived from trade assurance schemes and licence fees. Trade assurance scheme income is recognised on a straight line basis over the licence period and income relating to future periods is disclosed as deferred income and is included within other creditors.

Tangible fixed assetsTangible fixed assets are stated at historical cost less depreciation.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write each asset down to its estimated residual value evenly over its expected useful life on the following bases:

Leasehold improvements 3 years

Computer equipment 3 years

Fixtures and fittings 3 years

Residual value is calculated on prices prevailing at the reporting date after estimated costs of disposal for the asset as if it were at the age and in the condition expected at the end of its useful life.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.

InvestmentsInvestments comprise both fixed and current asset investments.

Fixed asset investments other than those in group undertakings are classified as financial investments. Financial investments comprise listed fixed asset investments which are stated at market value, using quoted bid price. Realised and unrealised gains and losses are shown separately in the statement of income and members’ funds.

Investments in group undertakings are initially recorded at transaction price and reviewed for impairment annually.

Current asset investments represent amounts on deposit with banks with maturity dates of more than 3 months post year end.




1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Financial instrumentsThe group has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised when the group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amounts presented in the financial statements when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assetsBasic financial assets, which include trade and other debtors, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Basic financial liabilitiesBasic financial liabilities, including trade and other creditors, are initially recognised at transaction price and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Equity instrumentsEquity instruments issued by the group are recorded at the fair value of the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the group.

TaxationThe tax expense represents the sum of the current tax expense and deferred tax expense.

Current taxCurrent tax is based on taxable profit for the year. Current tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred taxDeferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled based on tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised in respect of all timing differences that exist at the reporting date. Timing differences are differences between taxable profits and total comprehensive income that arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in different periods from their recognition in the financial statements.

Employee benefitsThe costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense.

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

Retirement benefitsThe costs of providing defined contribution pensions for employees are charged in the income and expenditure account as incurred.

LeasesRentals payable under operating leases are charged to income and expenditure on a straight line basis over the lease term.




2019 2018

£ £Current tax

UK corporation tax on profits for the current period 36,784 23,155

Adjustments in respect of prior periods - (42)

Total current tax 36,784 23,113

Deferred tax

Origination and reversal of timing differences (3,731) 1,157

Total tax charge/(credit) 33,053 24,270

£ £ £Cost

At 1 February 2018 - 160,364 160,364

Additions 2,943 17,106 20,049

Disposals - (412) (412)

At 31 January 2019 2,943 177,058 180,001

Depreciation and impairment

At 1 February 2018 - 141,913 141,913

Depreciation charged in the year 981 15,768 16,749

Eliminated in respect of disposals - (412) (412)

At 31 January 2019 981 157,269 158,250

Carrying amount

At 31 January 2019 1,962 19,789 21,751

At 31 January 2018 - 18,451 18,451


2 EMPLOYEES

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed during the year was:

3 TAXATION

Group

2019 2018

Company

2019 2018

Number Number Number Number

Total 24 21 24 21

4 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Group and company TotalLeasehold improvements

Office equipment etc



Company Sharesin group

undertakings

Listed investments

Total

£ £ £

Cost or valuation:

At 1 February 2018 100 696,511 696,611

Valuation changes - (51,785) (51,785)

At 31 January 2019 100 644,726 644,826

Carrying amount

At 31 January 2019 100 644,726 644,826

At 31 January 2018 100 696,511 696,611


5 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

6 SUBSIDIARIES

Details of the company’s subsidiaries at 31 January 2019 are as follows:

Group

2019 2018

Company

2019 2018

£ £ £ £

Investments 644,726 696,511 644,826 696,611

£Cost or valuation

At 1 February 2018 696,511

Valuation changes (51,785)

At 31 January 2019 644,726

Carrying amount

At 31 January 2019 644,726

At 31 January 2018 696,511

MOVEMENTS IN FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Group Listed investments

MOVEMENTS IN FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Name of undertaking Registered office Nature of business Class of shares held % Held Direct Indirect

Agricultural Industries Confederation Services Limited

Confederation House, East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE

Management of trade assurance schemes

Ordinary 100.00




7 DEBTORS

Group

2019 2018

Company

2019 2018

£ £ £ £

Investments 800,000 700,000 400,000 400,000

Group

2019 2018

Company

2019 2018

Carrying amount of financial assets £ £ £ £

Instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss

644,726 696,511 644,726 696,511

Group

2019 2018

Company

2019 2018

Amounts falling due within one year: £ £ £ £

Trade debtors 108,381 97,361 36,226 12,505

Other debtors 142,685 145,674 81,875 86,048

251,066 243,035 118,101 98,553

Group

2019 2018

Company

2019 2018

£ £ £ £

Trade creditors 204,410 207,273 180,260 176,740

Amounts due to group undertakings - - 38,026 16,459

Corporation tax payable 36,784 23,155 6,974 15,153

Other taxation and social security 43,907 46,714 42,080 46,714

Other creditors 508,976 415,484 127,875 111,536

794,077 692,626 395,215 366,602

8 CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS

10 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

9 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR




11 OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

LesseeAt the reporting end date the group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

12 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The group’s and company’s sales were made in respect of membership fees and subscriptions. These were made at arm’s length in line with membership fees and subscriptions to all members.

Group

2019 2018

Company

2019 2018

£ £ £ £

Within one year 42,682 42,682 42,682 42,682

Between one and five years 9,004 51,444 9,004 51,444

51,686 94,126 51,686 94,126

AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES CONFEDERATION Confederation House, East of England Showground, Peterborough PE2 6XETelephone: 01733 385230 Fax: 01733 385270E-mail: [email protected]

Registered in England and Wales No 0316783

CONSULTANTS AND ADVISERS

AUDITORSRSM UK Audit LLP

PRINCIPAL BANKERHSBC Bank plc

GENERAL INSURANCE BROKERSTowergate Insurance

SOLICITORSGreenwoods Solicitors LLP

9013

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